Bright's Blog: The Interview

The Home Office has turned out to be a graveyard for new Labour politicians. David Blunkett and Charles Clarke were forced out after they failed to get to grips with a dysfunctional department. Although John Reid jumped before he was pushed, he too struggled to cope with rising prison numbers and a series of crises involving escaped prisoners. His solution was to split the department in two just before announcing ... read more

The well-ordered bookcase behind Ming Campbell's desk contains the usual Westminster mix of political biographies and current affairs. An emphasis on the Middle East and international affairs reflects his abiding passion. But there is also a copy of Heroes, the recently published book of essays by his good chum Gordon Brown.

The friendship grew out of their common links to Fife on the east coast of Scotland, which Campbell represents ... read more